Free anti-ransomware utility, what would you recommend?

There are a couple of things we use here at MATRYX Systems ourselves and setup for out clients. These will help block sites and more.
And both have free options.
OpenDNS
www.opendns.com/
Some really great message settings for in house support.
This link is to a .pdf I created a few years back with OpenDNS setup info:
www.matryxsystems.com/download/An_Extra_Layer_of_Security.pdf
K9 Web Protection
www1.k9webprotection.com/
This is a good one for home users.
Both have great configuration options, messaging, etc. And are easy to setup.

Links disabled by moderator.

Anything with a drive letter (and depending on malware, a unc path) can be attacked. That includes cloud connected live sync data, since it is being synced from a location on your hard drive. HOWEVER if you pick the right cloud provided, you can restore previous versions - so if your synced data gets encrypted by malware, you can restore a previous version using your cloud provider.

I use drop box personally, but google drive has better security and also provides versioning.

Go to Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services/Encrypting File System(EFS) ; right click, select Properties and set mode to Disabled.
With this disabled your files cannot be encrypted.

I use CryptoPrevent - https://www.foolishit.com/cryptoprevent-malware-prevention/ as well as some of the others already mentioned. There is an article here as well - was the second article, which explains some of the settings - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/525028/cryptoprevent-does-it-work/

I at a Managed Service Provider and we recently switched our users from ESET to Sophos. In my professional opinion, it is one of the best decisions we've made due to how extensive the Sophos product is. They also make a Sophos Home version that gives you a lot of the same protection you would get from their business-class product including protection from viruses, malware, ransomware and others. I know I sound like an advertisement, but it's because I've seen what Sophos can do first-hand and they have impressed the hell out of me so far. One of the software products one of our customers uses tried to encrypt a legitimate folder for a software upgrade and Sophos blocked the encryption action. We were easily able to make an exception and move on with the installation. I have been very impressed with Sophos and use their Sophos Home for my laptop at home because I truly trust them with the protection of my computer.
https://home.sophos.com

Nothing is 100% guaranteed but here's what I recommend:
1. Use Chrome (not IE or Edge) with AdBlocker. You MUST install Adblocker. It prevents the pop-ups that slip through the browser's standard pop-up blocker.
2. Make sure you use Windows Defender. Its a free anti-virus protection from Microsoft and it's algorithms are constantly updated.
3. Do NOT open email attachments other than from KNOWN and TRUSTED sources. This is very very important as ransomware can be embedded in email file attachments. If you get and email saying "invoice" or "delivery" or anything else that looks out of the ordinary, DO NOT OPEN IT.
4. Make sure you have spam filters engaged on whatever email program you use. Outlook has it built in but you need to go into the settings and make sure it is set for "high" security.
5. Make sure you regularly backup your important files. Its a pain but it needs to be done.

Hello Jack; I'm using Cybereason RansomFree. Don't know if it does the job (yet) but it is highly rated an i forget but i believe CNet did a review on it. It's also free. Google it and have a look.

Users have to learn to close a web page when in doubt.
Put spam or any other questionable email in a junk or spam folder so the address will be blocked permanently.
You might think you are on a safe page sometimes but when a window pops up saying this is Microsoft and we need to scan your computer for potential problems, close the page immediately.

I personally have a well known internet security program running all the time. Shut off your computer when not in use during the night or day for that matter. {Kaspersky Total Security]

I also use a separate outside utility that Cleans my browser and cleans my registry, I will let you guess what program that is. [CCleaner] Free - been using for years, wonderful. Use daily if possible.

I also use a utility that searches and destroys any issues such a spying. [Spy Bot Search & Destroy] Free version, look for the main site before downloading. Donate if you like. Also been using for years. Use monthly or more.

Over the years these common sense practices have never failed me.

You also have to watch out for Microsoft itself for they seek to find out everything you do, every minute of every day, it's up to you to prevent that the best you can. Yes Google is invasive too, I know that. I feel an operating system shouldn't know everything you do however, yes I understand their concept.

Checking your system weekly or daily is highly recommended.

some of you may not know this:
when you get attack by ransomware basic it a flash file fool you or punk you! paying up!

Options: kill or remove ransomware basic close out any browser you may have running. then clean your item of it:
1.) (this is bit hard to do) go to your desktop, force close out (exit taskmanager) browser & restart it, click-on "X" tap fast, open go to browser history and clear it of data, you can leave cookies that be ok

2.) (easier to do) use CCleaner select all, clean it> done no reboot/ restart needed

cost totally free when you every get hit by ransomware i would use Ccleaner and keep it updated as will. its in App-stores free, free version will do the job, you can buy the pro version too.

there even Ccleaner for kindle's and Iphones, google phones as will to remove ransomware

as for Malwarebytes its not the rock on fighting ransomware! i got hit by it using Malwarebytes pro when it was running sad fact. Ccleaner is free to use and blow away ransomware! i still use Malwarebytes but as a backup scan for item may have leech into my system!

We all have Macs in our family (across the US), and we all use Sophos and are happy with it so far. Before I use or buy anything, I check it out on Consumer Reports and on Epinions . com.
It's important to back up to a remote AND to a cloud. Please take the time to remove the remote drive when not in use, or the ransomeware and viruses, etc. will go directly on there too, so what good does that do? It's worth the extra effort, as those who got affected will testify! The cloud is great as its accessible from anywhere, even on vacation. We have a cloud, Box, Drop Box and a couple others for sharing between us.
Ever since a long-time friend of mine had a fire when she was gone and lost her computer and all her back up CD's and thumb drives and remote drives - losing everything but what was on her phone - to both the fire and the water to put it out, I've made sure I keep my largest back up drive either at my son's house across town or in our Safety Deposit Box at our nearby bank. Yes, it's a chore to go get that back home to use once a month, but well worth it. Smaller drives are nearby to use weekly or even daily if I want.
Meanwhile, always update everything, don't share passwords or equipment with ANYONE, and follow the recommendations about others on being careful on the web and with e-mails, etc.
Password protect everything with strong passwords. Do all you can. You just can't be too careful.